Overview
Bill Stevens, founder of Arizona Pizza Company, has over 25 years experience in the restaurant industry. In 1996, he opened a pizza and pasta restaurant concept in Massachusetts. The casual dining atmosphere was enhanced by the wood-burning pizza oven, the Southwestern theme, signature pizza and pasta dishes, and cable television sets strategically placed throughout the restaurant. Further adding to the ambiance was the full service, intimate marble bar that became a favorite destination for dining and socializing with friends and families. The final element that captured the true spirit of the concept was the introduction of Kokopelli, the fun-loving flute player character.
The success of the first restaurant eventually lead to the development of the Arizona Pizza system in 2001, when Bill’s third restaurant featuring the same theme and much of the same menu, but with greater emphasis on efficiency and economy, opened in Lenox, Massachusetts. This restaurant was the fusion of the earlier restaurants and became his most successful venture. The Lenox restaurant became the impetus for the creation of a franchise program, and in 2003 the first franchise was sold.
Today, Arizona Pizza restaurants have evolved even further. The new prototype features many of the same elements that made it such a success story.......the ever-popular wood-burning pizza oven, the same high quality, oversized menu items, and a commitment to excellent customer service. Of course, there’s still Kokopelli, who has become a favorite character of old and young alike. However, the decor has been updated, new menu items have been added, and there are several prototype building designs that range in size from 2500-4700 sq. feet. Arizona Pizza restaurants are now located in major metropolitan markets as well as neighborhood communities and we are only entering the initial stage of our national expansion program.
The success of the first restaurant eventually lead to the development of the Arizona Pizza system in 2001, when Bill’s third restaurant featuring the same theme and much of the same menu, but with greater emphasis on efficiency and economy, opened in Lenox, Massachusetts. This restaurant was the fusion of the earlier restaurants and became his most successful venture. The Lenox restaurant became the impetus for the creation of a franchise program, and in 2003 the first franchise was sold.
Today, Arizona Pizza restaurants have evolved even further. The new prototype features many of the same elements that made it such a success story.......the ever-popular wood-burning pizza oven, the same high quality, oversized menu items, and a commitment to excellent customer service. Of course, there’s still Kokopelli, who has become a favorite character of old and young alike. However, the decor has been updated, new menu items have been added, and there are several prototype building designs that range in size from 2500-4700 sq. feet. Arizona Pizza restaurants are now located in major metropolitan markets as well as neighborhood communities and we are only entering the initial stage of our national expansion program.
Products & Services
Arizona is a melting pot of people from all walks of life. Relatively few people are truly “from Arizona.” Tons of people move to Arizona from all over the U. S. and other countries. It’s that very logic that was the inspiration for our name. Our menu reflects that very diversity with a wide range of items; from specialty pizzas to tacos… to calzones… to burgers… to unique pasta dishes …to hot wraps. Furthermore, Arizona Pizza is a fusion of the best parts of a number of earlier restaurant concepts developed by its founder.
Training & Support
All franchisees and their management must attend training classes and become certified at a designated training facility. Arizona Pizza trainers assist you before, during and immediately after you open your restaurant. Periodic consultation is conducted throughout the term of the franchise.Our staff will assist in selecting and negotiating your location. Site criteria have been developed to expedite this process. However, the Franchisee typically works with local Realtors to identify potential site. You should make certain any commissions are negotiated ahead of time and are the responsibility of the landlord.
Why Azpco Arizona Pizza Company?
When comparing Arizona Pizza Company to its competition and the “bigger corporate players” like Chili’s, Friday’s, Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Olive Garden, etc., we have the same level of professionalism and standards in place. We have developed systems to maintain food quality, consistency, and speed of delivery that rival the bigger players. But what really makes AZpco stand out from the rest is our ability to provide the freshness and made-to-order quality similar to that of a small mom-and-pop operation. This is something the more corporate concepts have long since lost.
